Arkansas Blog

For Joyce Elliott UPDATE

I received a letter from former state Rep. Sam Ledbetter, too late for the final pre-election paper edition of the Times, in support of Joyce Elliott's bid for the state Senate. Ledbetter's House district covered part of the same territory.

His argument for Elliott -- particularly reminders of incumbent Sen. Irma Hunter Brown's voting record on some issues of high importance in Little Rock -- is worth a read. On the jump.

I served three terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives with Joyce Elliott. Besides being a wonderful friend and incredible person, Joyce repeatedly demonstrated her courage, effectiveness and willingness to work hard every day. I cannot recall a single time that Joyce did not do the right thing, not because someone told her what to do but based on her own sound judgment. Joyce is running for State Senate in District 33, which is also the senate district where I live. I was honored when Joyce asked me to be a co-chair of her campaign. I also served two terms with the current Senator for District 33, Irma Hunter Brown, who defeated John Riggs in 2002 following re-districting. Senator Brown and I had serious disagreements over various issues I believe to be very important to the people I was fortunate enough to represent. For example, she voted to allow developers to build near Lake Maumelle, the principal source of our drinking water, failed to attend a committee meeting where her vote was needed to defeat a proposal by Governor Huckabee to allow the use of public money to fund those home schooling their children, and voted to grant nursing homes special protection from liability when they abuse nursing home residents. Based on my experience with both candidates, the choice in this election is an easy one. Please join me in supporting Joyce Elliott on May 20.